Bottom Paint

[Weekender230]

Hi Folks, Been reading this forum for a while, ever since I bought my first Sea Ray last fall. It's a pretty nice shape 1986 Weekender 230. It had a substantial buildup of dark blue bottom paint- about 5 thick layers- that was in bad shape. So I had it all soda blasted off. The boat looks great now- the hull below the waterline is all perfectly white and I'm really happy. My question is this- do I have to bottom paint now? This boat spent it's entire life in the ocean in a marina slip, but now I am trailering it home after every outing and rinsing it off. The most it would be left in the ocean would be a couple days/week at a time. Would I be wise to bottom paint it anyway, regardless, or can I leave it like it is? Also, the trim tabs are nice and shiny now, should those be painted? And finally, I had them blast the outdrive to bare aluminum. I will be painting that. Can someone advise what paint to use, and if a primer is required? Thanks! Bill

 

[II Loose Screws]

If you are planning to take the boat out of the water after each use you don't have to bottom paint it. If as you say you may keep the boat in the water a few days or up to a week, depending on where you are docking the boat you can get some quick buildup in that time. Just make sure as soon as you take it out you clean it up real good. I never paint the trim tabs with the same bottom paint. There is a clear ablative that can be sprayed on that I use. I believe from Iterlux. Before I put the boat in the water for the season and put a good coat of Vaseline on them. When I take the boat out in the winter they are clean as when I first put the boat in. Again, if you are going to take the boat out of the water after each use you don't have to do that either.

Hope this helps.

 

[Weekender230]

Thanks! How about the outdrive- should I use a primer on the bare aluminum?

 

[Salty Dog - LI]

Paint the outdrive to protect the aluminum! Use a metal cleaner to get off the grease and dirt, spray on zinc chromate primer, and spray on several coats of Merc black paint. Tape and shield off the hull so you don't get overspray on the hull! Take you time and do it right! See your marine store for more tips on outdrive painting. There have been several threads on this website, along with pictures of our member's fine work! We've even got some professional boat painters here!

Good luck!

 

[Weekender230]

Will do. Thanks!